acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

ˈa-kə-

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease or relieve pain (as in surgery)

acupuncture transitive verb

acupuncturist

ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-rist 

ˈa-kə-

noun

Did you know?

In Latin, acus means "needle", and the English word acupuncture was coined way back in the 17th century to describe a technique the Chinese had already been using for 2,000 years. An acupuncturist may insert many extremely fine needles at a time; the treatment is usually uncomfortable but not truly painful. In China today, even major surgery is often carried out using only acupuncture to kill the pain; it's also used for many other conditions, including insomnia, depression, smoking, and overweight. Acupuncture is based on ancient theories of bodily energy that few Western doctors have ever accepted; but even though attempts to explain its effects by Western science have been unsuccessful, it's now widely recognized by doctors as effective for pain reduction.

Examples of acupuncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While there are hormonal medicines for fibroid treatment, like oral contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and progestins, some women are leaning on eastern medicine, including acupuncture and herbal remedies, for relief and care. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 30 July 2025

Beyond supplements, complementary methods like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture have been shown to enhance sleep quality. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025

The trials involved 13 non-pharmaceutical insomnia treatments, including seven fitness regimens, acupuncture, massage and cognitive behavioral therapy. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 17 July 2025

Among the thousand and one wellness treatments out there, acupuncture has stood the test of time. —Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 16 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin acū- (stem—or ablative—of acus "needle") + puncture entry 1 — more at acute

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for acupuncture

• venipuncture
• conjuncture
• disjuncture
• juncture
• puncture

Kids Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈak-yə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specified points especially to cure disease or relieve pain

Etymology

Latin acus "needle" and English puncture

Medical Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture -ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease, relieve pain, or promote healing